Sam Waterston, the beloved actor known for his role as District Attorney Jack McCoy in the hit legal drama series Law & Order, is bidding farewell to the show after an impressive 30-year run. With over 400 episodes under his belt, Waterston has become a staple of the series, captivating audiences with his compelling portrayal of the determined and relentless prosecutor.
News of Waterston’s departure was confirmed by People, leaving fans both saddened and curious about the future of the show. His final episode is set to air on February 22, marking the end of an era for Law & Order enthusiasts. However, as one door closes, another one opens, and in this case, it is none other than Tony Goldwyn who will be stepping into the legal world of the show.
Goldwyn, best known for his role as President Fitzgerald Grant III in Scandal, will be joining the cast as another district attorney. While his character’s name has not been revealed to the public just yet, fans can expect Goldwyn to bring his own unique flair and talent to the role. The actor expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his career in a statement to The Washington Post. “The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me,” he said. Although he acknowledged feeling a sense of sadness in leaving the show, Goldwyn emphasized his curiosity about what lies ahead. “An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable,” he added.
Waterston’s journey as District Attorney Jack McCoy began during Law & Order’s fifth season in 1994. His character’s popularity led to appearances in several episodes of the spinoff series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Even after the original cancellation of Law & Order in 2010, Waterston’s dedication to the character and the show remained unwavering. He made a triumphant return when the series was revived for its 21st season in 2022, showcasing his enduring commitment to the role.
Throughout his tenure on Law & Order, Waterston received critical acclaim for his exceptional performance. He was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1997, 1999, and 2000. Additionally, he was recognized with a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Television Series Drama in 1995. Waterston’s talent and dedication were further acknowledged when he won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series in 1998.
In an interview with NPR, Waterston reflected on his time working on Law & Order and the impact it had on his career. He admitted that without the show, he might have taken on less fulfilling roles or projects. “I might have wound up doing other things that I wasn’t as glad to be in — dumb roles or dumb projects,” he confessed. Furthermore, Waterston highlighted the financial stability the show provided for his family, allowing his four children to receive an education. “Law & Order paid for it,” he gratefully acknowledged.
As fans prepare to bid farewell to Sam Waterston’s iconic portrayal of District Attorney Jack McCoy, they eagerly anticipate Tony Goldwyn’s arrival on the Law & Order scene. With his own impressive acting credentials and unique style, Goldwyn is sure to bring a fresh dynamic to the show. As Law & Order continues to captivate audiences with its gripping legal narratives, the departure of one beloved actor only serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of television and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.